Rakitic was wanted last summer by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, but the La Liga side had refused him the chance to meet with the all-action midfielder, and after a series of consistently brilliant performances again this season he is once again on the manager’s wanted list.

Liverpool had also been hoping to include young playmaker Suso as part of the deal that would bring the Croatian to Anfield, but so far all negotiations have hit a brick wall.

As a result, Castro wants to speak with Rakitic about a possible new deal to fend off interest from the Premier League side ahead of what is certain to be a busy summer.

“We are waiting and soon we will need to have a meeting and we hope to leave it resolved once and for all,” Castro said.

Rakitic was in fine form again in midweek as he played a starring role in their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, scoring the game’s winner and taking his tally for the season up to 11.